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Recruiting athletes has been difficult during the Covid-19 restrictions. Due to various reasons related to the virus, HutchCC lost seven runners.

“I think something that is not talked about much is that the coaches work really hard each year to recruit and develop their teams and Covid has disrupted a lot of that previous work due to early graduations, transfers, or student-athletes who were simply uncomfortable coming to school amid a pandemic,” Riggs said.

“My main goal when recruiting is getting the recruit on-campus for a visit because we have such a great institution that really sells itself once they see it in person,” Riggs said.

Both coaches have goals for their athletes to reach this season.

“I hope the athletes learn how to balance school and athletics. I hope the athletes have felt a part of something bigger than they did in high school with finding family in their peers, confiding in their coaches and teachers, as well as growing as an individual,” Heidebrect said. “Besides leaving a legacy, I hope each athlete leaves knowing they have come to do what they came for.”

“I hope they find a sense of belonging and that they feel attached to something bigger than themselves,” Riggs said. “It’s trying to communicate the idea that we are all connected and rely on each other for success.”